Bloomington Update: Federal Court Dismisses Former Indiana Basketball Players' Lawsuit
In a significant legal development, a federal judge has dismissed the class action lawsuit brought by former Indiana University basketball players against the institution. This lawsuit, which included Title IX and civil rights complaints, was ruled in favor of the university and former team trainer Tim Garl.
The dismissal was based on the argument that the claims were barred by a two-year statute of limitations, which had long expired. Additionally, other state law complaints were dismissed due to jurisdictional issues.
The plaintiffs, including former IU players Haris Mujezinovic and Charlie Miller, have the option to appeal this decision to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals within 30 days.
The lawsuit, initially filed in October 2024, alleged that players were subjected to "medically unnecessary, invasive and sexually abusive rectal examinations" by team physician Dr. Brad Bomba Sr. Mujezinovic and Miller were later joined by John Flowers and Larry Richardson Jr., with Garl being added as a defendant due to his supervisory role at the time of the alleged incidents.
Judge Tanya Walton Pratt emphasized that the plaintiffs were aware of both the facts and causes of their injuries, which meant they had complete causes of action against the university and Garl between 1981 and 2000. The Title IX complaints were dismissed with prejudice, preventing any refiling.
The court noted that the plaintiffs had multiple opportunities to amend their complaint, yet their federal claims were ultimately dismissed on statute-of-limitations grounds. The judge expressed doubt about any potential for successful amendment.
In response to the allegations, Indiana University engaged Jones Day, a renowned international law firm, to conduct an independent investigation. Their exhaustive 874-page report concluded that Dr.
Bomba did not act with "bad faith" or "improper purpose" during his examinations. Although the inclusion of digital rectal examinations (DREs) in annual physical exams was deemed “uncommon,” the report found no sexual intent and noted professional disagreement on the standard of care during Dr.
Bomba’s tenure.
Dr. Bomba, who was not named as a defendant, passed away in May 2025. The case underscores the complexities and sensitivities involved in legal actions tied to historical medical practices within sports programs.